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HomeMy WebLinkAboutLandmarks Minutes 03.12.2025Page 1 of 6 CITY OF OSHKOSH LANDMARKS COMMISSION Minutes March 12, 2025 PRESENT: Shirley Brabender Mattox, Paulette Feld, Vicky Redlin, Steve Cummings, and Council Member Jacob Floam ABSENT: Sara Stichert, Nikki Stoll Olthoff STAFF: Avis Seizert, Museum Archivist Agenda: 1) Call to Order The meeting was called to order at 3:08 p.m. 2) Approval of January 8th Meeting Minutes Mr. Floam motioned to approve the January 8th minutes, and Ms. Feld seconded. The minutes were approved unanimously by voice vote. 3) Potential Sears Catalog Home Homeowner of 508 W Nevada Avenue, Martha Bergquist, was present to discuss avenues for researching the origins of her home design, which she believes may potentially be a Sears Kit/Catalog Home from 1926. She noted she would like guidance in doing repairs to maintain the character of the home, but has not found any information for or indication of the home’s origins. The Commission offered research ideas, including the features of the house to look at, the Register of Deeds Office, the Oshkosh Public Museum, Facebook pages, and books that are available to be borrowed. Ms. Bergquist also wishes find an original picture of the home. Ms. Bergquist noted that much of the house is original and she may be interested in getting a historic plaque at a later date. A photo of the home was pulled up for viewing. The Commission discussed further about the home and additional features to look at for clues. 4) 2024 Annual Report Ms. Brabender Mattox reported that she, along with Mr. Witte, have been working collaboratively on the 2024 Annual Report and they will have a draft in time for the next meeting. She noted that they will be including images from the Acanthus Awards buildings, Smith School, a Richard Nebel sketch of a William Waters home, and possibly a photo of Lee Reiherzer’s book. Ms. Brabender expresses the desire to put the Baumann Block, on the front cover, as encouragement for Luanne Laib, who paid for the recent Historical Register nomination on her own and operates an antique store on the property. Page 2 of 6 5) CLG Grant Application Ms. Brabender Mattox reported on the status of the Commission’s CLG Grant application, which was denied. Ms. Brabender Mattox noted that she had contacted Jason Tish to inquire about the reason. He replied back to her that with the large number of applications they received, they chose to pursue an applicant with a higher number of homes. We did not get it – SBM contacted Jason Tish to ask about application. Jason Tish also reported to her that they are not able to rely on the funds coming through from Washington at this time. Ms. Brabender Mattox noted that she will update the individuals in the Hazel Street district and that they will likely reapply next year. 6) Wisconsin Association of Historic Preservation Office: Conference Ms. Brabender Mattox noted that April is the WAHPO Conference, and that she will pay the registration for anybody that would like to go. She also notes that she will only be able to attend for the Friday session due to a prior commitment with the Helen Farnsworth Mears Art Contest. 7) Demolition Permit - Eligible National Register Property ; 731 Jackson Ms. Brabender Mattox began discussion on the demolition permit for the property at 731 Jackson Street, the former church built in the early 20th century. She noted that it is considered demolition by neglect, but that she has not had time to connect with a building inspector about this. Ms. Brabender Mattox commented that she is against demolition in instances like this when it can either be reuse or deconstruction. Discussion commenced about the history of the property and its former uses and the extent of the damage caused by the neglect by the current landlord who resides in Florida. Ms. Redlin noted that there had been an extensive conversation on social media pertaining to this property and that it had been suggested that the property was not savable; conversation continued again about the state of the property, its damages, and whether or not those were fixable. Ms. Brabender Mattox suggested that the Commission may want to review the demolition ordinance, and that Heather Bailey, Madison Preservation Planner, contacted Ms. Brabender Mattox to note that she was unsure they were following the appropriate state statute(s). Ms. Brabender Mattox also noted that demolition permits like this would generally go to Planning, and then possible to Landmarks Commission for discussion. Discussion continued on additional historic properties that are and/or could be on the table for demolition in the future, such as South Park School. 8) Acanthus Awards Ms. Brabender Mattox recalled that Ms. Redlin recommended the Courthouse: Ms. Brabender Mattox reporter that she did not believe she had heard back yet, but had contacted Paul Porter, who should be in contact with the county and SHPO in Madison. Ms. Brabender Mattox noted that she hopes to get their perspective on the work that had been done over the years at this property. Ms. Redlin commented that there is likely are Page 3 of 6 good paper records of the work with the county and that Mike Elder, facilities director, should be contacted. Discussion turned towards another suggestion for the property at 1302 North Main Street, in the North Main Bungalow District, one of three Tudor Revival Bungalows. This property is noted as being the most exciting of the three in the National Register nomination. Information about the work the owner did commence and includes exterior paint and repaired windows, gutters, and a gate. Ms. Brabender Mattox noted that the owner applied for a loan from the City and also qualifies for the tax credit. Ms. Feld suggested Thunderbird Bakery on 6th and Knapp for the work they have done for continued use of the building. Of note is the preservation of the look of the building’s front from its time as a meat market. Ms. Redlin notes that the current owners wanted to preserve the building’s character and that their decision to do so was appreciated. Mr. Cummings made note that they have repurposed a building that formerly sat vacant for years, and that the work that has been done to it over the years is historic, too, in its interpretation. Ms. Feld noted that bringing life back into the neighborhood is how she interprets this award and that Thunderbird still has character. Ms. Brabender Mattox questioned what the thoughts were behind preserving this, and commented that she would consider this an instance of reuse. Others agreed. Ms. Brabender Mattox requested that this be discussed in the next meeting, with photos, and suggested that Dan Raddig’s book about corner grocery stores would be a useful reference source. Ms. Redlin moved to approve the property at 1302 North Main, seconded by Mr. Cummings. The motion was approved unanimously by voice vote. 9) Historic Restoration – 1031 Washington Ave Homeowner David A. Zerbe was present to discuss the window repairs he would like to make to his home and the financial assistance requested to do so. Mr. Zerbe’s home was built in 1907 for Charles Hennig and is recognized by the State of Wisconsin as a contributing property in the Washington Avenue Historic District. Mr. Zerbe is repairing the double-hung windows on his home due to the rotting storm windows and the loose interior windows. Mr. Zerbe has discussed these repairs with four contractors and shared with the Commission, generally, what they would do to complete the repairs. He also discussed the manufactured windows he has found to replace the current windows so that it preserves the look and function of the original features that are being taken out. He further discussed other repairs he plans to do, beyond those in his application. He noted that he has received preliminary approval from the State of Wisconsin for tax credits for his home. Ms. Brabender Mattox asked Mr. Zerbe who the contractor is, and Mr. Zerbe clarified that Matt Laib is preferred, once he received approval. Ms. Brabender Mattox verified that he had been in contact with Paul Porter. She went on to discuss that this is a great example of how homeowners in a historic district can maintain properties to preserve their home. Ms. Brabender Mattox asked for Page 4 of 6 clarification on how many windows on the home need to be replaced. Mr. Witte noted that this is a prime example of what the program is for and that they fully support the work that Mr. Zerbe is requesting assistance with. Ms. Brabender Mattox requested a motion to vote to approve the restoration project. So moved by Mr. Cummings. Seconded by Ms. Feld. Discussion: Mr. Floam commented on the beauty of the neighborhood and his appreciation for the work to maintain it. Mr. Zerbe discussed the Little Free Library that was purchased for the property. The matter was approved unanimously by voice vote. 10) Historic Plaque Application: Oshkosh Great Fire Research Mr. Cummings discussed his spearheading for this project. He noted that he would like to avoid the State Historical Society getting involved and that the Commission needs to decide what they want so that they can propose the matter to Ray Maurer and the Common Council. Mr. Cummings proposed the options of a storyboard-style marker to put up along the river or a brass-type marker, and noted that content and cost will likely drive which avenue is pursued. Ms. Feld noted that the City uses the same foundry for their bronze signs that the state of Wisconsin does. Mr. Cummings noted that the bronze sign at the Morgan House is double-sided and costed around $6000, and that they would like to avoid having that much text on the fire plaque. He further noted that they are looking at a cost of about $5000 for a bronze sign. Ms. Redlin proposed the idea of doing a mixture of bronze and letter board to save on cost, and for the flexibility of switching out a non-bronze option in the future. Discussion continued about the costs of various signs and plaques around the City, as well as the logistics for the sign’s content. Mr. Cummings noted that a benefit of the Story Boards is the ability for more graphics and text design. He further noted that he does not want content to be text-heavy, but rather a brief acknowledgment and the ability to point viewers to other resources for more information. Discussion continued about form and function with today’s technology, how to get viewer’s attention, how to create a hook for the content, and how they could possibly incorporate it into the work that Discover Oshkosh is doing with their tours. Ms. Redlin also noted that Art City has the ability to create Story Boards locally and they their services may be an option. The Commission discussed that they need to connect with Amy with Discover Oshkosh, as well as Ray Maurer with the Parks Department to continue. 11) Commissioner Statements Mid-Century Modern District a. Council Member Floam began by asking Ms. Brabender Mattox what the State of Wisconsin’s thoughts on this topic were. Council Member Floam sent the images to Page 5 of 6 Ms. Brabender Mattox, who will forward them to Diana Penkiunas, the State Historic Preservation Officer. Morgan-Aire b. Mr. Cummings discusses conversations that he has had with Morgan relatives about this, but that no one that he has talked with has any knowledge about this. Ms. Feld notes that she will ask neighbors if they have any information from when they originally purchased their homes and that at least one is an original owner. South Side Historic District c. Ms. Brabender Mattox begins by commenting that she would like to put this topic on hold. Ms. Feld wanted to briefly address that she had received notice that the property on 6th and Oregon has a request to the Planning Commission the following week to build a partial, third-story section on top of the building. She notes that the drawings for it that she has seen looks phenomenal and that she plans on going to the meeting for this. She also discussed the work that they have done on that building up to this point. Mr. Cummings then asked about the former gas station on 6th and Iowa. Ms. Feld noted that ThedaCare now owns that property, but does not have a current plan for it. Discussion continued on this property, its history, its condition, and the things that Commissioners would like to see done with it. Ms. Brabeder Mattox noted that she has reviewed the survey again and that there is a section where properties have been re-evaluated, and their eligibility has been altered. Discussion also included suggestions about how to get the Oshkosh Area School District and its students involved in a potential research project on the South Side; conversation included pros, cons, challenges, and logistics associated with this. 12) Oshkosh Herald Article Topics Ms. Brabender Mattox has not yet completed her article on Park Plaza and the Aristides Demetrios sculpture, but she did get an article about the Helen Farnsworth Mears Art Contest in the most recent issue of the newspaper. She called attention to the Helen Farnsworth Mears exhibit at the Oshkosh Public Museum that is up until June 21, 2025, and also noted the Museum is giving passes to the First, Second, and Third place winners of the art contest, totaling nine children. Ms. Brabender Mattox noted that she has been in touch with Wisconsin’s Congressional members to invite them to choose a piece and attend the Contest and its award ceremony. Ms. Brabender Mattox further discussed the former property of Helen Farnsworth Mears and the disappointing state of the home. She noted that she has sent the current owners a packet of information as well as correspondence indicating her interest in putting a historic plaque on this home to honor her significance, but has had no response. The Commission continued to discuss the challenges of landlords and historic homes and what could be done to incentivize people to buy these homes from or instead of landlords. Council Member Floam noted that he has noticed many of these historic homes are now for sale and that his hope they will become owner-occupied units. Discussion continued about the City’s incentive program to purchase these homes. Page 6 of 6 13) Staff Liaison Report Monthly Building Permit Report a) Ms. Brabender Mattox notes that the property at 1221 Merritt Avenue might be eligible for tax credits and that she will connect with the owner and Paul Porter to see if the project has yet begun. There were no other permits of note to review. Agenda Items for Next Meeting b) Ms. Brabender Mattox added Thunderbird Bakery and Mr. Cummings suggested adding the South Side Historic District to the agenda items for the next meeting. 14) Adjournment Council Member Floam moved to adjourn and Ms. Feld seconded. The meeting was adjourned at 4:36 p.m.